Survey: Thousands Islands Region Tourism Had Strong Summer

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — A survey of businesses in the Thousands Island region along the U.S.-Canada border say this past summer was a strong one for tourism.

WWNY-TV in Watertown reports that the Thousand Islands International Tourism Council conducted the survey, and more than 150 businesses in the U.S. and Canada responded with positive feedback.

Most reported that that business was booming throughout the summer season, with good weather, the ease of crossing the border and lower water levels along the St. Lawrence River were mentioned as factors.

Heavy rains in the spring of 2017 raised water levels on Lake Ontario and the river, hurting many waterside businesses that rely on tourist traffic.

More than half of the businesses that responded to the survey say they expect tourism will slightly increase over the next five years.